The secret reunion of Prince Harry and Charles at the palace was “the first preliminary step in repairing their relationship,” a royal expert said.
The Sun reported today that Harry and Meghan flew to the UK today for a secret face-to-face meeting with the Queen.
The couple also saw Prince Charles during a visit to Windsor Castle - their first trip to the UK together since they left royal duties in March 2020.
Harry and Charles’ relationship was strained after Sussex’s high-profile interview with Oprah Winfrey, where he said he was “disappointed” with his father, who he claimed interrupted him financially and refused to return his calls.
Harry also said that Charles and brother Wills were “locked in” to their respective royal roles, and his relationship with his brother was one of “cosmic”.
But according to royal biographer Phil Dampier, today’s visit was the Duke of Sussex’s way of “slowly starting to rebuild some bridges” with his father.
He told The Sun: “I think Harry realized that it looked really bad that he didn’t come to Prince Philip’s memorial service and maybe he has doubts about how he plays.
“He clearly decided that he wanted to see his grandmother, and I’m sure she was glad to see him.
“Most of all, I am sure that Charles was happy, as I am sure that he would like to restore their relationship.
“It seems that this was the first tentative step in the restoration of their relationship.
“It would be nice if Prince William could see him too.
“I think that means Harry is finally rebuilding some of the bridges.”
Harry and Meghan, who stopped on their way to the Invictus Games in Holland today, smiled and waved back at the bemused attendees who were in Windsor for the traditional Maundy Thursday ceremony.
One said, “I couldn’t believe it when I saw who it was. We waved and they waved back.
“They looked happy and relaxed and waved to everyone on the bus. Charles and the Queen were at Windsor Castle at the same time, so they must have met both of them.
“It was a real spectacle. We knew we might see Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall at the ceremony, but we never thought we’d run into Harry and Meghan.”
The couple, who left royal duties to live in the States in 2020, drew ire with a series of speeches across the Atlantic.
Harry is also suing the government for removing his armed bodyguards, claiming he “doesn’t feel safe in the UK”.
Yesterday’s shutdown was the first time Harry and Meghan have returned to the UK together since March 2020.